Number 4

Dear Eli,

Happy Birthday.  You’d be four today.  Daddy and I love you so much and we miss you with a passion.  The ache in our hearts have eased, but it’s still a bit achey.  Especially the next couple of days. 

If you were here, Josiah would be teaching you how to put little Legos together, you would be loving, hugging, arguing, playing, jumping, wrestling and protecting both of your sisters.  Josiah and you would be two peas in a pod.  Hanging out with one another.  Giving each other knuckles, pats on backs, building forts, playing with sticks that turned into swords, guns, lightsabers or whatever your imagination wanted them to be.  You and Josiah would be the princes, and the girls the princesses.  You’d be protecting them from the dragon in their castle (playhouse), while they squealed with delight when you won the battle. 

Daddy would have another tag along in the backyard while he worked on his Landcruisers, or tractors.  You’d be an expert wrench and a screwdriver user.  You’d probably would’ve already taken a few things apart by now, in hopes to figure out how to put them back together.  Daddy would be pitching you balls in the backyard and you and Josiah would be chasing after the soccer ball he kicked towards you both. 

You’d probably help me make bread or plant the garden.  We would snuggle on the couch and read a book.  We’d put a puzzle together.  We’d play with the cars and trucks.  Snuggle and watch Cars  together.  Or run circles around the kitchen and the living room with Josiah, Tullie and Ellison. 

That’s what I imagine life would be like if you were here.  I don’t know if that would have been accuarte, but I’d like to think that it would be.  Instead, you’re with Jesus.  You’re hanging with him.  I bet your birthday party is big.  The angels sang when you were born and I’m sure they’re singing with you now. 

Your short life became pretty amazing.  How Jesus has used you for His glory is simply amazing.  Our hearts are full of Him. 

We love you sweet Eli.  We love you a lot.  Our hearts ache because we miss you so much, but we also know you’re safe and we’ll be reunited one day.

We’ll see you soon,

Daddy and Mommy